I’ve sat in front of the same computer screen, in the same seat, looking out towards the same wall for the last two years. News Journalism was originally a class I took to fill some credits. Nothing could’ve prepared me for the joy, laughter, and passion that would be shared within the walls of room 402.
Sophomore Allison, if someone asked, would’ve told them that this was my easiest class. They should join News Journalism because as long as you could write two stories every month and participate in a maximum 3-minute long video clip you’d be set up for a good grade. Well, Junior Allison, is here to tell you a different story. The workload of this class is totally manageable, that’s not the issue. Issues arise when other courses or events in your life begin to cast a shadow over your school work and grades, which I had put so highly on a pedestal. All the things I had made a priority in my life before to work so diligently at, had now fallen to the end of my “To-Do” List and were constantly overlooked for other things. So suddenly, those two stories and 3-minute long video clips were so daunting.
Most would think that so much lack of interest in a certain subject or class would deter you from wanting to attend, and I had my fair share of absences in this class in the first semester until I realized why I should be here. Or maybe not so much why I should be here, but WHO I should show up for because she had always shown up for me, more than once. Mrs. Basinger. She’s one of those women, you just can’t put into words. She does it all, and not without a smile on her face. It took me a little while to figure out that instead of running from what felt like a never-ending pile of work, she was here to help and support me. We sat down and she talked me through a plan and now everything that had seemed so scary, was a lot less because I had her there to help. Asking for help is not a bad thing, it’s really not, and it has taken me a long time to believe that even a little bit. I’m still not sure that I 100% believe that, but how could I not be with a woman by my side who is so adamant about me believing it? Mrs. Basinger is the glue of room 402; without her, it wouldn’t have run very smoothly. Mrs. B is someone you can confide in, and go to with any stress that may be weighing on you and I cannot come up with a reason why, but she will always settle your mind. However, don’t get it confused, she’s one of the most comforting people I’ve met, but she also tells you what you need to hear for your own good.
What have I learned this year? Don’t run from things, show up for yourself, but also don’t forget to show up for other people, too. The people that show up for you. They deserve all the praise and support you can provide them. This is a family, and everyone has a role. You have to do your part to make sure everyone succeeds, and no single task is completed by just one person. It takes the input, editing, and revision of others. Read that again. This applies to life outside of room 402. I came to this conclusion, not on my own. I primarily have Mrs. B to thank. So, thank you. I couldn’t imagine this last year without you. I wouldn’t want to.
So, while my time on the Journalism team is nearing an end, my time in room 402 is nowhere near over. Mrs. Basinger is a light. If there’s one thing I have to say about News Journalism, it’s that. Mrs. Basinger is a bright light I have the honor of knowing.
